---

RNC: Clinton/Gore to Blame for Soaring Gas Prices

21 September 2000

RNC: Clinton/Gore to Blame for Soaring Gas Prices - Nicholson to Gore: 'Gore Has Long Advocated Higher Energy Prices' -

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 Republican National Committee
Chairman Jim Nicholson today released the following statement in response to
Al Gore's comments on high gas prices:

    "There he Gores again -- the man who can't resist taking credit for things
he didn't do is once again blaming others for his own failures. For the past 8
years, the Clinton/Gore administration has had no coherent energy policy and,
as a consequence, oil prices in America have tripled.
    "Al Gore has opposed exploring for new sources of oil and the result has
been increased American dependence on foreign energy sources. Not only that:
Gore has openly advocated higher prices for gas and home heating oil.
    "For example, Gore was the chief advocate of the proposed 1993 BTU Tax,
which would have raised gas prices by 65 cents. Gore proclaimed in his
environmental manifesto Earth In The Balance that: 'higher taxes on fossil
fuels ... is one of the logical first steps in changing our policies' to suit
the Gore environmental agenda. Gore endorsed the proposal of radical
environmentalist Paul Erlich to raise gas prices to the levels 'in Europe and
Japan.' And Gore told PBS earlier this year that he was 'proud' of casting the
tie-breaking vote in 1993 to raise gas taxes.
    "Today, Gore is bashing the people and companies who find energy and
deliver it to the gas pumps and homes of America. But back in July, his own
Department of Energy wrote a memo on the causes of rising gas prices -- and
never mentioned any of the reasons Gore now blames.
    "On the contrary, an internal Energy Department memo revealed that
officials knew that Clinton/Gore environmental regulations were a major reason
gas prices jumped to record highs in the Midwest.
    "What's more, Gore supports the 'Kyoto Protocol' which would raise the
price of gas prices by 65 cents a gallon and reduce average household income
nearly $2,700 while also raising the costs of many goods and services.
    "One final note: The Gore family fortune derives primarily from the very
special and privileged relationship they have had with Occidental Petroleum.
Gore -- who has not held a press conference in more than two months -- should
answer questions from reporters familiar with the history of Occidental
Petroleum and its long-time chief, Armand Hammer."